Are you looking for a high-quality watch that won’t break the bank? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Proving that great things can come in affordable packages, mid-range watch brands impress with their attractive price tags and eye-catching designs. While timepieces from these brands might not pack as many details as those from luxury brands, they remain reliable, robust and beautiful; both on the inside and out. No matter if you’re a seasoned collector, or someone looking to make a start with a mid-range piece, it’s important to know what brands fall under this bracket. We have curated this short blog on the best mid-range watch brands to help guide you in the right direction. Whether it’s the price tag of the watch or the aesthetics that catch your eye, these brands create timepieces worthy to be in any collection.
Our Best Mid-Range Watch Brands
Tissot
One of the most recognisable names in the watch world, Tissot produces affordable, stylish and well-built timepieces. The brand has been at the forefront of some of the most important inventions in the horology industry and since its conception, Tissot has been a leader in the watch world. Tissot watches hold a distinctive elegant design that only a few other brands manage to achieve; especially mid-range ones. With a broader, more versatile range of high-quality watches, at an extremely attractive price, the Swiss watch brand is favoured by many.
Our Tissot Pick: Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz GMT (40mm) Black Dial / Stainless Steel Bracelet T1208521105100
Combining all the elements you would expect in a sports watch, this model is a timepiece you can rely on. The deep black dial features a mix of dot and baton indices as well as hour, minute, second and GMT hands; each features a SuperLumiNova filling for optimal readability, even in the dark. Furthermore, a date aperture features at the 6 o’clock position. Scratch-resistant, and with an anti-reflective coating, a sapphire crystal protects the dial; it ensures optimal clarity and durability. A two-tone black and green bezel and a stainless steel case frame the dial. Measuring 40mm in diameter, the case houses the Swiss-made quartz movement with a GMT function and an E.O.L. indicator. The case also features a screw-down crown, which not only aids the 300 metres of water resistance but protects the watch against any knocks. A stainless steel bracelet concludes the design of this diver’s watch.
Showcasing that mid-range watch brands still produce watches of high quality, this Tissot model impresses with its range of complications and well-thought-out design.
Seiko
One of the most well-known watch brands in the horological world, Seiko impresses with its rich history and great precision. A leader in innovation, Seiko helped the watchmaking industry enter a new era. From releasing the world’s first quartz watch in 1969 to the first GPS solar watch (accurate to 1 second in 100,000 years) in 2012, Seiko has proved itself to remain amongst the giants in the industry. The brand’s timepieces are known for their dependability, sturdiness, and fine craftsmanship. Hence, they are a popular choice among watch enthusiasts and everyday people alike. No matter what you want from a watch, Seiko has it covered!
Our Seiko Pick: Seiko Presage Cocktail Time ‘Blue Moon’ (40.5mm) Deep Blue Dial / Blue Calfskin Leather Strap SSA405J1
Inspired by Japanese cocktail culture, more specifically the ‘Blue Moon Cocktail’ from the Skybar in Tokyo, this Seiko is a technical treat. The deep blue dial features dagger indices with matching hour and minute hands. The second hand, however, is golden yellow; representing the orange slice used to garnish the cocktail glass. While all of these details impress, the focus of the watch is placed on the open-heart window at 9 o’clock. Offering a glimpse of the movement within, this addition showcases that although Seiko is a mid-range brand, they still produce watches with intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail. Measuring 40.5mm in diameter, a stainless steel case frames the dial, and within this lies the watch’s calibre 4R38 automatic movement; this can also be viewed through the exhibition case back. Matching the dial, a deep blue calfskin leather strap concludes the sophisticated design of the watch.
As a whole, this watch captures the essence of Seiko perfectly. Timeless looks with precise Japanese timekeeping, what’s not to love?
Roamer
One of the most powerful Swiss brands in the mid-range bracket, Roamer is known for its robust yet elegant timepieces. The brand’s watches have been made with passion and dedication since 1888, and their strong brand history ensures for further development of these genuine Swiss-made pieces. Built for men and women, who appreciate unique and individual designs, the high-quality craftsmanship of these watches showcase that Roamer’s great reputation is still intact today.
Our Roamer Pick: Roamer Rockshell MK III Skeleton (44mm) Green Skeleton Dial / Two-Tone PVD Stainless Steel Bracelet 220984 48 75 20
Technical perfection meets iconic design. While maintaining the classic features of the Rockshell Mark III, this Roamer introduces new, intricate details to the ensemble. The silver skeleton dial, with a green outer edge, gives a gentle tease into the inner workings of the watch. Allowing the wearer to view the automatic movement, just like the exhibition case back, it adds levels of great intricacy to the watch. For ease of timekeeping, the gold baton indices and hands are partially luminous. All of this is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass, so the levels of durability that this watch possesses are high. Measuring 44mm in diameter, a stainless steel case, with a gold-tone bezel, frames the dial. The case also features a fluted crown, with crown protection, that aids the watch’s 100-metre water resistance rating. A two-tone PVD-plated and stainless steel bracelet concludes the design of this sporty yet elegant timepiece.
Creating an eye-catching statement on the wrist, this Roamer stands out with its intricate design and craftsmanship. It upholds the brand’s impressive reputation for producing watches of exceptional quality, durability and reliability.
Out Of Order
Born inside a small workshop, packed with big dreams, Out Of Order is not your typical mid-range watch brand. Instead of creating pristine timepieces, the Italian-born brand intends to do the exact opposite. Inspired by the charm of vintage clothing, each watch is designed to appear old and worn; using the brand’s patented ageing process. No two Out Of Order watches are alike, as the meticulous craftsmanship ensures that each piece is truly one-of-a-kind!
Our Out Of Order Pick: Out Of Order CIPRIA CASANOVA (44mm) Pink Dial / Ultra Brushed Stainless Steel Bracelet OOO.001-27.CI.SS
Light in body and strong in resilient design, this watch oozes larger-than-life flair. A colour defining the soul of Venice, the Cipria pink dial features applied white indices and hands with Super-LumiNova C3 inserts and gold outlines. The dial also features a magnified date aperture at 3 o’clock for enhanced legibility. Measuring 44mm in diameter, a brushed stainless steel case, with a sapphire crystal, frames the dial. And on top of this sits a stainless steel 120-click rotating with a pink aluminium insert and Super-LumiNova engraved numbers. The case also features a screw-down crown which aids the 100 metres of water resistance. A watch of this degree needs a high-quality movement to keep up with it, so a Swiss-made quartz movement powers the timepiece; providing great precision and accuracy as it does so. A vertical brushed 316L stainless steel bracelet concludes the design of this sophisticated timepiece.
Pretty in pink, and relatively affordable too, this Out Of Order captures the essence of Swiss craftsmanship and Italian design perfectly. All other watches from the brand showcase this as well, hence Out Of Order is one our best mid-range watch brands.
Certina
Thanks to their solid international reputation on excellent workmanship, Certina is one of the most well-known names in the watchmaking world. Their collection includes a wide range of stylish timepieces for both men and women, many of which follow a sporty design. While the brand places a strong focus on the design of each watch, the functionality has not been ignored. As emphasised by the attention to technical finesse that goes into each watch, Certina’s commitment to perfection is unmatched.
Our Certina Pick: Certina DS-1 Specical Edition Big Date | Powermatic 80 | Silver Mesh C0294261109160
A harmonious blend of the timeless style of the late 1950s with the highest standards of the day, this watch celebrates the 60th anniversary of the DS Concept. The eye-catching green sunray dial features silver dagger-shaped indices and dauphine hands. But the star of the show is its ‘Big Date’ aperture at the 6 o’clock position. For optimal clarity and durability, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal encases this. In addition to this, a 41mm stainless steel case and bezel frame the dial; they complement the streamlined design of the model extremely well. The watch is also water-resistant up to 100 metres. An automatic movement, with a Nivachron balance spring and an 80-hour power reserve, lies inside the case. Showcasing meticulous craftsmanship, the balance spring is unaffected by magnetic fields. A stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet concludes the design of this modern masterpiece.
Stylish, sophisticated and set for everyday wear, this Certina showcases that mid-range watch brand’s don’t sacrifice form for function; rather they embrace both and work harmoniously together.
What did you think of our guide on the best mid-range watch brands? Will you be purchasing a watch from any of the brands mentioned? Let us know in the comments!
